On the subject of bras…

I have a confession.

I wear non-wired bras.

There. It will come as no surprise to anyone who reads this blog that I have pretty large breasts. If you’d have told me three or four years ago that I would be at my most comfortable and (I think) best-boob-shaped in a non-wired bra then I would have laughed at you. Back then I thought non-wired bras were for Nans and pregnant women. I’m here to tell you that I have changed my mind. This is for why. The Triumph Doreen Bra. Originally introduced in 1967 it is, according to the website, the world’s best selling bra. Really. I first bought a Doreen two years ago. I was, to be honest, intrigued. I was looking for something with a retro shape and this bra is nothing if not retro looking.

So that was it, that was literally the only reason I bought it. And then I put it on. It was incredible. Gravity defying. Comfortable. Classic. 50s. I loved it. The straps aren’t particularly elegant, I’ll agree to that. Plus it does limit what you can wear neckline-wise, but it really is the best bra I’ve ever worn. I am happy being wire free. I’m certainly happy that I’m free of weird bras with inexplicably long wires that dig into your underarms. Well, sort of free. The lovely Doreen is not suitable for all clothing, so what do you do if you’re looking for something at’s suitable under a plunging neckline? Anyone who has large breasts will know that an ill-fitting bra will make you look a lot larger than you are, plus it’s uncomfortable and bad for your back. There is always lots of talk about how important it is to wear the right bra size, and it is. I maintain that it’s also important to wear the right bra shape too. I do a lot of underwear buying online. It isn’t ideal, but my bra size isn’t exactly ‘regular’ and I have to buy where I can.

My mini guide to bra shopping

I am loving Gok Wan for SimplyYours.com. This range has a lot going on: bras, body-shaping knickers, waist cinchers, all-in-ones. There are prints, plain colours, neutral tones and bold, all together in one, lovely range that is great quality and really good value. Plus everything comes beautifully packaged, so it really feels like you’re receiving something special. I’m loving this. In fact, there isn’t one piece I wouldn’t wear. Good job Gok.

Cup Size: 42GBack Size: 48C (Which strikes me as a little weird, they could do with evening out the sizing here)

Cup Size: A few up to 42L, most up to 48KBack Size: One range goes up to 58F, most to a 48 There really are loads of ranges all going up to different back and cup sizes, so it’s worth taking a look, the search feature is pretty good.

Here’s a high street find for those of you who, like me, had given up finding anything on the high street for big breasts (no one say Bravissiomo. Do NOT say Bravissimo. I’ll be dealing with them later). Enter Leia.com. It carries a very pretty range of bras from a number of different designers such as Freya, Fantasie and After Eden. Here’s where their shops are. It looks like the one in Liverpool has closed, which is really sad. Still, there are some branches left and if you live near one I highly recommend it. The staff are really, really friendly and helpful. Plus the dressing rooms are spacious and bright with great lighting.

Cup Size: Up to a 38KBack size: Up to a 48

Okay, so that’s my good list. What about my naughty list? Bravissimo, party of one. Please follow me to the table of shame.

It’s not that I don’t like Bravissimo’s designs. I do. I think that, in principle, it’s a great idea. Of course! What’s not to love? Except the sizing. They stop at a 40. Now admittedly this is better than when they first opened, when they only went up to a 38, but for a specialist shop selling bras for women with large breasts, you would expect a full range of back sizes, wouldn’t you? Of course I’m not against catering for the 34H women out there, but I’d also like the 42B women and the 46D woman catered for to, especially in such a specialised shop. Reading the ‘About’ section on the website just makes me sad. Get it sorted Bravissimo. Please. I beg of you.